The band was founded in 1964 by John Michalski (lead guitar) and Roy Chaney (bass guitar), two high school friends who had previously played in several short-lived bands. After going by the name The Squires for a short time, along with several line-up changes, the Count Five were born. "Psychotic Reaction", an acknowledged cornerstone of garage rock, was initially devised by John Byrne, with the group refining it and turning it into the highlight of their live sets. The song was said to be influenced by the style of contemporary musicians such as The Standells and The Yardbirds. The band...